- Trip reference: EKK/BT – 01
- Duration: 13 days
- Places to cycle: Bagrote – Karakuram Highway – Minapin – Baltit – Passu – Shimshal
- Cycle into the beautiful and remote Bagrote Valley. Located at the heart of the Karakuram Mountains, it is surrounded by four Mountain Peaks: Rakapushi to the West, Dirn to the North, Popurash to the East and Dubani to the South East. The Bagrote River flows through the steep valley and merges with the Gilgit. Cycling towards Hunza and Nagar witness the huge spiral of Rakaposhi looming in the distance. The road goes so close to its base that it is hidden most of the way
- The Karakuram highway (KKH) is at its most spectacular between Ghulmit and Gulmit. The road rides high on the eastern side of the river, twisting and turning around the barren foot of the Hispar Range, which boasts six peaks over 7,000 metres. On the opposite bank, villages cling implausibly to the side of the 7,388m Ultar Mountain.
- The most interesting and challenge part is to cycle down the Shimshal valley passing the Mulungutti Glacier as we travel through a stunning scenery. The valley is home to herds of sheep, goats and yaks that are moved up and down the area with the seasons. But we see little evidence of settlement apart from the few shepherd’s huts on the narrow track road.
- Itinerary
- Day 1 Islamabad to Gilgit Gilgit Altitude 1,500m Accommodation: Hotel (L)
- Day 2 Gilgit
- Day 3 Gilgit to Chira Bagrot Chirah Altitude 2,445m Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D) Cycling distance 43km
- Day 4 Chira to Gilgit Gilgit Altitude 1,500m Accommodation: Hotel (B,L) Cycle distance 43km
- Day 5 Gilgit to Minapin Minapin Altitude 2,030m Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)
Cycle distance 82km - Day 7 Minapin to Karimabad
- Karimabad Altitude 2,400m Accommodation: Hotel (B) Cycle distance 35km
- Day 7 Karimabad Karimabad Altitude: 2,400m Accommodation: Hotel (B)
- Day 8 Karimabad to Passu
- Passu Altitude 2,480m Accommodation: Guest House/Hotel (B,L,D) Cycle distance 56km
- Day 9 Passu to Shimshal
- Shimshal Altitude: 3,100m Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D) Distance: 59km
- Day 10 Cycle Shimshal to Passu Cycle distance: 59km Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)
- Day 11 Passu to Minapin
- Minapin Altitude 2,030m Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D) Cycling Distance 80km
- Day 12 Mrongin in Minapin, afternoon drive to Gilgit. Hotel
- Day 13 Islamabad
- This morning we return to Islamabad either fly or travel by road Hotel (B)
- Day 14 Islamabad
- Transfer to airport for our late afternoon/evening flight home.
- Important Note:The above itinerary is intended as a working guide. Although every effort will be made to adhere to it, changes may be made because of weather conditions, transport failure or other unforeseen events.